Christina Thomas has been charged with first-degree assault. She is accused of depriving the boy of food and forcing him at times to stay in a dog cage in the basement of Thomas' New Durham home.

Prosecutors said the incidents occurred between 2006 and 2010 when the child was 3 to 6 years old.

Crystal Dufault testified Thursday that she lived at Thomas' home for several months in 2008 and at one point saw the child in a cage in the basement. Dufault described the treatment of the child and his mother as "terrifying" and "horrific," testifying that she saw the child only eat toast, water and some sort of shake drink.

Dufault said she thought the boy was getting cared for during frequent doctor's visits and was getting the proper nutrition treatment at that time.

Under cross examination, Dufault testified that she gave a police interview on the same day that Thomas kicked her out of the house.

Jeff Strouth, who had a relationship with Thomas' cousin, testified that Thomas treated the boy's mother like a "slave" and said Thomas would verbally abuse the child.

The boy's mother testified earlier in the week that when the boy was 6 years old, he weighed 23 pounds. Prosecutors said the boy is now with an adoptive family and has grown and put on weight.